Ahimsa the Ultimate Winner

Author(s): N P Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 30

than done by his predecessor Tirthankaras. It is worth noting that during his 'Sadhana' spread over about 12 %2 years, on many occasions his fasts (without food and water) had the duration of 15-30 days and on occasions, even 121 days. Thereafter, after deep meditation, when he became omniscient and moved on to achieve the status of Tina' (the conqueror), he radiated unique peace, serenity, equanimity, tranquility, fearlessness and compassion.
The unparalleled depth of his contemplation opened in his teachings new and wider vistas and vision of ethical and spiritual thought and conduct and of rationally tapping the infinite potentialities of the human soul through self-restraint and selfpurification.
Mahavir made a deep spiritual impact on a very wide strata of people. Acharya Mantung has paid a glowing tribute to Bhagavan Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankar and it applies in full measure to Bhagavan Mahavir.
निर्धूमवर्त्तिरपवर्जिततैलपूरः कृतस्त्रं जगत् त्रयमिदं प्रकटीकरोषि । गम्यो न जातु मरुतां चलितां चलानां दीपोऽपररत्वमसि नाथ जगत्प्रकाश:!
Your life, your personality is as unique as an eternally lit flame which neither needs any oil nor any wick to sustain it. This eternal light does not go out due to the blowing winds nor does it waver in the face of storms. This light is firm and the onslaught of passion and polluted thoughts cannot disturb it. This divine light touches every atom and particle of the three loks and illuminates the entire universe.
☆ Mahavir stood for equality of all souls - be it a human being, an animal, an insect or a bird with open opportunities to improve one's spiritual performance for
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner
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